[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 8]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 10227]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




        CONGRATULATING THE WASHINGTON HIGH SCHOOL LADY PANTHERS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOE DONNELLY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 21, 2009

  Mr. DONNELLY of Indiana. Madam Speaker, today I wish to extend my 
congratulations to the South Bend Washington High School Lady Panthers, 
2009 State Runners-Up in the 4A girls basketball division.
  During their remarkable season, the Lady Panthers won 26 games on 
their way to finishing second in national rankings by ESPN. In a state 
championship game that will be remembered as one of the best in Indiana 
high school basketball history, South Bend Washington lost 71-69 to Ben 
Davis High School of Indianapolis, the nationally top-ranked squad, on 
a last second shot. Through their determination, effort, and 
outstanding achievements, the Lady Panthers can be proud of all that 
they have done for girls basketball in the state of Indiana.
  The South Bend Washington team consisted of 12 young ladies, 
including: Seniors Skylar Diggins, Alandrea Pfeifer-Nailon, Karis 
Phillips, Rakeesha Lane, Takoia Larry, Jasmine Watson, and Jazmine 
Watson; Junior Avante Newsome-Gunn; Sophomores Porscha Hill and Terran 
Scott; and Freshmen Brytney Bennett and Shareita Patton.
  Head Coach Maurice Scott was assisted by Don Coddens. In addition to 
the Washington High School student body, alumni, and parents, officials 
such as Mayor Steve Lueke, School Superintendent James Kapsa, 
Washington Principal George McCullough, Jr., and Athletic Director 
Marilyn Coddens lent support and encouragement throughout the season.
  After averaging 29 points per game, South Bend Washington senior 
guard Skylar Diggins was named the 2009 Gatorade and Naismith National 
High School Player of the Year, and was also the winner of the 2009 
Indiana Miss Basketball award.
  The city of South Bend and the surrounding area rallied behind the 
Lady Panthers. For the fourth consecutive year, thousands of fans 
traveled to Indianapolis, where they made the State Championship game 
feel like a home contest.
  Again, I offer my hearty congratulations to the members of the South 
Bend Washington High School girls basketball team on their Semi-State 
title, their extraordinary effort in the State Championship game, and 
for all of their accomplishments this season.

                          ____________________